Associate Automation Engineer

Roche • Oceanside, CA

6d • $61,600 - $114,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Automation Engineer is an integral part of the Oceanside Automation, Data/Digital team within MSAT, supporting the site’s digitalization and data-driven efforts. As a designated Pivotal/Launch site for Phase III and commercial stage products, this large-molecule facility requires an agile individual who is eager to learn, comfortable with ambiguity, and thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. In this role, you will support daily manufacturing operations and technology transfers by collaborating on automation and data/digital initiatives across various functions. Working with minimal supervision, the successful candidate will assist with qualification protocols, help maintain the validated state of control systems, and contribute to small-scope projects while actively developing their technical capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical or Mechatronics preferred) or a related scientific discipline.
• 0–2 years of experience in automation, engineering, or a related technology field.
• Strong desire to learn and adapt to biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, control systems, and design concepts.
• Foundational understanding of basic engineering principles, automation, or control theories.
• Familiarity with foundational programming tools (e.g., Python, GitHub), databases, querying tools, and data visualization concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles to solve technical problems independently and make sound decisions under ambiguous conditions.
• Aptitude and enthusiasm for learning, adapting, and applying emerging digital technologies, including AI/ML tools, to manufacturing data.
• Ability to learn and comply with cGMP requirements (including gowning, documentation, and compliance procedures) for performing work within a manufacturing facility.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting technical processes and participating in team discussions.
• Self-motivated with the ability to drive technical deliverables independently with minimal oversight.

Nice To Haves

• Prior internship, co-op, or academic project experience within a biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated GMP environment is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Owns and executes small to medium scope automation engineering, data/digital services for existing facility projects, including upgrades, capacity expansions, and equipment replacements.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to analyze existing manufacturing workflows and suggest data-driven improvements.
• Support the generation, execution, and review of qualification protocols (Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualification).
• Participate in drafting and updating GMP Lifecycle Documents (e.g., risk documents, trace matrices, and periodic reviews).
• Manages and tracks the progress of change records and supporting business process updates with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with team members in the start-up, troubleshooting, and real-time floor support of automation and critical process utility systems.
• Participate actively in site coordination, department, and staff meetings to foster cross-functional alignment.
• Maintain all mandatory training qualifications and proactively seek opportunities to expand technical knowledge.
• Support environmental health, safety, and security programs by reporting incidents and fostering a positive safety culture where no one gets hurt.

Benefits

• A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
• This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level